Eligible Travelers Entering the U.S. Have a Mobile Option for CBP processing at 21 International Airports
SACRAMENTO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) announced today the expansion of Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to SMF. With the addition of SMF, Mobile Passport Control is now available to travelers arriving at 21 major international airports. The Mobile Passport app has been downloaded 1 million times over the last two years.
Mobile Passport is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival into the United States. Eligible travelers may voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via a smartphone or tablet app prior to arrival. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
“CBP remains committed to keeping the international arrivals process as secure and traveler-friendly as possible by offering new and innovative technology,” said Brian J. Humphrey, director of Field Operations in San Francisco. “The Mobile Passport app adds another processing option that has been proven to reduce wait times for the ever-growing number of international travelers without comprising our important border protection mission.”
MPC currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler upon arrival in the United States. Much like Automated Passport Control (APC) the app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. Travelers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.
“The number of international travelers continues to grow at Sacramento International Airport and we are happy to announce this free service and its added convenience,” said John Wheat, director of Airports. “Mobile Passport Control joins Global Entry as new amenities at the airport to facilitate customs processing for international travelers.”
The MPC pilot launched in August 2014 for eligible travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and has since expanded to 21 airports.
In addition to SMF and Atlanta, MPC is available to travelers arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport; Boston Logan International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport; Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport; Denver International Airport; Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston William P. Hobby International Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport; Miami International Airport; Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; Newark International Airport; Orlando International Airport; Raleigh-Durham International Airport; San Francisco International Airport; San Jose International Airport; Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; Tampa International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
This first-of-its-kind app was developed in partnership with CBP by Airports Council International- North America (ACI-NA) and their technical partners. Information about Mobile Passport Control, including how to download the app, user eligibility and other frequently asked questions, is available on CBP.gov.
MPC is just one part of CBP’s resource optimization strategy, which is transforming the way CBP does business in land, air and sea environments. As part of its commitment to innovation, APC kiosks are located at 42 locations and the I-94 form is now automated. CBP has also enrolled more than 5 million travelers in trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. These programs allow CBP officers to process travelers safely and efficiently while enhancing security and reducing operational costs.
CBP’s website offers rules and tips for clearing CBP inspection during travel to and from the United States.